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What rights to information do I have?

Members of pension schemes have pretty comprehensive rights to information about their scheme.

Basic information

The broad details of the scheme should be provided if you are eligible to join and should be available on request. Certain information must be provided by the employer when employees are auto-enrolled into a workplace pension. Spouses and other potential beneficiaries can also ask for details of the scheme.

Annual statements

Members of personal, stakeholder and 'money purchase' occupational schemes (including additional voluntary contributions (AVCs)) should receive annual statements automatically. Members of salary-related (DB) schemes can request a statement and it should be provided within two months.

Most DB schemes will automatically provide an annual benefit statement without you having to ask, whilst you are still building up benefits in the scheme.

Contributions

If your employer fails for any reason to pay over contributions, they or the trustees must tell you. You have the right to ask to see the 'schedule of contributions'.

Early leavers

If you leave a pension scheme before you retire, for example when you change your job, you should be given a statement about your options within two months of leaving.

Payment of benefits

You should automatically be provided with details of your pension before your retirement date.

Changes to the scheme rules

You should automatically be told of any changes to the rules of the scheme and there are consultation rights that may apply.

Paperwork

You can ask to see a great deal of the documentation produced by your scheme, though you can be charged a fair cost to make anything, other than the most recent annual report, available. You can ask for the:

annual report – the law requires a great deal of information to be disclosed in this;

Note: This content is provided as general background information and should not be taken as legal advice or financial advice for your particular situation. Make sure to get individual advice on your case from your union, a source on our free help page or an independent financial advisor before taking any action.